Malindi and Watamu

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The Kenyan Coast

  • Italy in Africa
  • Deep-sea fishing
  • Medieval Swahili ruins

Malindi and Watamu,
beach and ocean

Just a hop, skip, and a jump – about 120 kilometers, or a two-hour drive – north of Mombasa lies the charming resort town of Malindi. Back in ‘34, none other than Ernest Hemingway himself dropped by and even tried his hand at deep-sea fishing for the first time. This laid-back town, home to just over 100,000 people, is a real hotspot for Italian tourists, thanks to its sizable Italian expat community. You’ll see signs in Italian, hear the language being spoken all around, and even find bills sometimes presented in euros. The Italian side of Malindi is where the action’s at, with nightclubs, casinos, restaurants serving up exquisite Italian fare, and, naturally, swanky hotels and villas that play host to Italian A-listers, from former PM Berlusconi to millionaire playboy Flavio Briatore, often seen with supermodel arm candy like Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum.

Speaking of Briatore, he’s got a few properties here, including the über-chic Billionaire Resort and the opulent Lion in the Sun villa, his former residence. The older, Arab part of Malindi has kept its medieval architecture, with beautiful mosques and the intoxicating aromas of Eastern spices wafting through the air. Just a stone’s throw from Malindi are the eerie yet picturesque ruins of Gede, a mysterious Kenyan town abandoned for reasons unknown centuries ago. Chance stumbled the ruins upon, and their excavation only began in the 20th century. A visit to Gede is a captivating experience, like stepping into a world straight out of Kipling. Picture this: the crumbling remains of an ancient city swallowed by the jungle, teeming with monkeys – a real “bander log” vibe!

And then, of course, there are Malindi’s beaches, a source of immense local pride. Their irresistible appeal and popularity are down to the fine, golden-tinged sand, which adds a touch of magic and luxury to any beach day.

The world-class fishing in Watamu and Malindi is right up there with the famous Shimoni fishing grounds. The convergence of two ocean currents in this area creates prime conditions for reeling in sailfish and other billfish.

Malindi’s beaches blend into those of Watamu, boasting romantic names like Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. It’s on these shores that the unhurried pace of this little resort village unfolds. Wide beaches, boasting flour-fine, white sand, here feature picturesque, wave-worn coral outcrops along the coastline. While Malindi has a more urban polish, Watamu exudes a more intimate atmosphere. From here, it’s a peaceful trip to the nearby ruins of the ancient Swahili town of Gede. But the main local draws are diving, snorkeling, and, of course, fishing.

Since the late ‘70s, the Malindi-Watamu National Marine Reserve has been under protection, encompassing not just the waters but also the beaches and mangrove forests with all their inhabitants. The underwater world here is stunning and diverse, with the vibrant residents of the coral reefs providing endless thrills for diving enthusiasts. The diving and snorkeling are simply fantastic. If getting underwater isn’t your thing, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour and observe the tropical marine life through the clear floor.
A getaway to Malindi and Watamu is a year-round possibility. The tropical climate is pleasant, and thanks to the coral reef that shelters the coast from storms, there are no big waves, and the ocean water is always warm. More and more tourists are discovering the delights of Kenya’s beaches each year and raving about them to their friends. Come and experience these truly idyllic spots for yourself – the beaches of Kenya! Just remember: for diving and beaches, Watamu’s your go-to, while Malindi is where you’ll find the nightlife and discos.
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Africa is first and foremost the wild animal world of the national parks, each of which is unique.

Why go to Malindi and Watama
and what to experience there

Emotions and new experiences are unique. Uniting with wild nature through experiences, feeling the power of ancient cultures, learning the wisdom of the African land is priceless.

Hotels in Africa have unforgettable dreams, the magic of comfort and wildlife can only be felt here

WHERE TO SLEEP?
or amazing hotels

Please select your overnight accommodations below,
for recommendations, hit us up on whatsapp

List of hotels

Sirai Beach

A sense of extraterrestrial civilization

There are 6 bedrooms in total, the master of which occupies the entire first floor of the house, while the rest are located in magnificent garden cottages on either side. The suites are decorated in a modern style and feature silent air conditioners that allow you to set the perfect temperature.
Luxury and tranquility are present in every detail of the lodge: 400-thread count Egyptian cotton linens straight from the Nile Valley, spacious verandas with ocean and garden views from each room.

Hemingways Watamu

A sense of extraterrestrial civilization

The Camp is located on the shores of Watamu Marine National Park.
Bright, spacious 40m² en-suite rooms with balconies offer unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.
South wing secluded apartments include outdoor terraces overlooking the marine park, living room, dining room flooded with natural light, bathrooms and equipped modern kitchens.

Customized tours
to Malindi and Watamu

We know and love Africa. All of our routes are designed, tested, and personally traveled by us. These are just examples of what your trip could look like. We will create a personalized program just for you, one that will divide your life into “before” and “after,” and you’ll want to return, again and again

Tour list